WITH the current crisis in Haiti, the value of humanitarium work overseas by volunteers such as Rotarian John Thatcher has never been more apparent.
The 57-year-old Armadale resident was this week awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia, having made the Australia Day 2010 Honours List in the general division.
Mr Thatcher was one of 446 people across the country to make the list.
The Australian Honours system recognises the outstanding contributions and achievements of Australian citizens and medals are awarded twice a year – on Australia Day and the Queen’s Birthday.
Mr Thatcher was awarded for his service to the international community through programs to help in Indonesia and Thailand, and to the Rotary Club of Armadale-Neerigen Brook.
A Rotarian since 1984, the local business operator has been involved in several overseas fundraising initiatives, most recently the Amed Clean Water Project in Indonesia.
Other projects include the ongoing Library for Kids and Family Project in Thailand and an effort to supply artificial limbs to needy people in Indonesia and Thailand.
Mr Thatcher said he became involved in humanitarian projects about 10 years after joining Rotary when he was inspired by meeting other Rotarians overseas.
“There are so many people in other countries that badly need help and unfortunately you can’t help them all,” he said.
“Our efforts are a bit like a drop in the ocean but you have to do everything you can – that’s the whole point.”
Mr Thatcher described Rotary as a wonderful organisation, which he invited any “enthusiastic young local men and women” to join.
The Rotary Club of Armadale-Neerigen Brook meets at the Narrogin Inn in Armadale every Thursday night.
For more information call Mr Thatcher on 0408 086 803 or club president Gavin Smyth on 0407 401 774.